On a typical warm, dusty fall day in Riverside, when the afternoon shadows fall gently from nearby purple mountains, a lone racer approaches the track at Adams Motorsports Park.  Tucking his flowing blond hair under his helmet, he inspects the engine, checks the tires, and then slides into the seat, ready to tame the track and satisfy his need for speed.

Meet JohnJohn McLellan, a name that's quickly gaining recognition in the world of kart racing.

At just 10 years old, he's no ordinary fifth grader. While his peers are busy shooting hoops, kicking soccer balls or practicing piano scales, JohnJohn is hurtling down the straightaways, expertly navigating hairpin turns and dreaming of glory in his high-speed go-kart.

For JohnJohn, a typical race event involves a practice session, a qualifier, a pre-main race and a heart-pounding 20-lapfinal main race. The tracks are outdoor road courses, just under a mile long, featuring a series of challenging left and right turns. To maintain his competitive edge, JohnJohn hits the track at least once a week. His vehicle is no ordinary go-kart; it's a souped-up speed machine adorned with professional-grade wind-breaking hoods and racing logos. With a six-speed transmission and the unmistakable roar of a racing engine, JohnJohn's kart is a testament to his dedication to the sport.

His racing journey began when he received his first go-kart as a seventh birthday gift in April 2020. A few months later, he competed in his first official race held by Tri-C Karters at Apex Kart Center and secured a podium finish in only his second race. He continued to impress, competing in a total of 16 races and finishing second in the Tri-C Karters Championship in Kid Kart.

The son of noted Manhattan Beach accountant John W. McLellan CPA, JohnJohn has competed in an astounding 100 races since he first started karting in 2020 – pushing his machine to speeds of up to 65 mph – with 26 races in 2023 alone. His journey through various karting classes, from Kid Kart to Cadet Mini, has been marked by steady, consistent growth and success.

JohnJohn attributes much of his success to his mentorship from experienced coaches like Troy Adams and Dave Sera, as well as the support of race teams like Musgraves Racing/Factory Kart, Kart Class Australia and Birel ART México.

In August 2023, JohnJohn took a significant step forward in his racing career by joining Nash Motorsportz LLC, a nationally-ranked karting team. This new partnership provides him with the resources and support needed to compete not only in Southern California but across the United States.

One of the most notable developments in JohnJohn's racing career is his transition to the Miniswift Cadet12 class, where he competes against 10-12-year-old kids. He's also taken on the role of a young test driver for Factory Karts, an American-based kart manufacturer located in Riverside, California. This six-speed Mini-Shifter kart, equipped with a 65cc water-cooled engine that reaches speeds of 75 mph, has become JohnJohn's new ride of choice.

While JohnJohn's racing endeavors have primarily focused on Southern and Central California, he's also ventured far beyond those borders. His international racing took him to Australia, where he competed in the Australian Karting Championship. In Perth, Western Australia, JohnJohn's skills were put to the test as he faced off against 65 drivers in his class. Although an early crash in the main event presented challenges, JohnJohn's determination and tenacity shone through, earning him the respect of his Australian peers.

As JohnJohn's racing career continues to gain momentum, his family's support remains unwavering. Their goal is clear: to nurture his racing skills and build the connections necessary to attend a Formula drivers academy and ultimately become a professional race car driver.

The racing world can expect more from JohnJohn in the coming years. His sights are set on United States Prokart Series (USPKS) and (SKUSA) SuperKart USA Pro Tour in 2024. Prepare to witness the rise of a future racing legend in the making.  For more information about JohnJohn "Racer" McLellan, please visit www.johnjohnracer.com.